Hariri: Assad Is “Sole Cause of Terror” & Won’t Have Role in Syria’s Future

Nasr Hariri, head of the delegation of the opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC) to Geneva talks, said that Assad and the pillars of this regime will not have any role in any transitional period in Syria. He stressed that the regime is the sole cause of terrorism, adding that terrorism cannot be defeated without addressing its root cause.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, Hariri said: “Everyone is now convinced that fighting terrorism is a priority, and that the Assad regime is practicing terrorism against the Syrian people backed by the Iranian militias and mercenaries, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi militias. The Syrian people are also being subjected to terror by Al-Qaeda and ISIS extremist groups and all groups fighting under their banners.”

“Bringing about political stability is essential to safely claim that the fight against terrorism has succeeded. This stability cannot be achieved except through a clear political transition process in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions,” Hariri added. He stressed the need for “international will to find ways to push the stalled political process forward and initiate a genuine political process according to a clear timetable as was stipulated by the UN Security Council resolutions.”

Hariri accused the international community and the United Nations of failing to assume their role and to force the Assad regime and its allies to negotiate in good faith and to seriously discuss the political transition. “This is why we say that there is a party that is intransigent and refuses to engage in this process as it is fully aware it will be the biggest loser in this process.”

“The United Nations cannot push the political process ahead without the presence of an international driving force, which can be achieved through a US-Russian agreement.”

Hariri went on: “Russia and Iran are to blame for the stalled political process as they continue to support the Assad regime and fight alongside it. Without genuine international intervention to create a balance on the battlefield or force the regime’s allies to engage in the political process, the role of the United Nations will remain restricted.”